A NSW Government website

Aboriginal Land Planning Framework

We have introduced the Aboriginal Land Planning Framework – a set of planning measures to better enable Aboriginal land councils across NSW achieve their aspirations for their land and strengthen self-determination.

These measures better align the NSW planning system with the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) to improve governance, strategic planning and use of land.

Our guide to using the Aboriginal Land Planning Framework

The Aboriginal Land SEPP: Guideline (PDF, 4.7 MB) has useful information for Aboriginal land councils, including:

  • how to nominate land for inclusion in the Aboriginal Land SEPP
  • what a development delivery plan (DDP) is and how to prepare one
  • guidance on whether the Aboriginal Land SEPP is the most appropriate development pathway for a community
  • support to help Aboriginal land councils navigate the planning system.

For more information about the framework, please read the frequently asked questions (PDF, 285 KB).

Development delivery plans

Development delivery plans (DDPs) are strategic plans that set out the development objectives for priority land owned by local Aboriginal land councils. A DDP formally identifies the development aspirations for an Aboriginal land council.

Local councils and other planning authorities then use these DDPs to help assess Aboriginal land council planning proposals and development applications.

We can assist and provide advice to Aboriginal land councils that want to prepare a DDP. The things a DDP must include are listed in the Aboriginal Land SEPP and guideline.

We have developed a Overview of Planning Opportunities template (DOCX, 216 KB) to help you with this process.

Want to learn more about planning?

We deliver a one-day ‘introduction to the NSW planning system’ training package for Aboriginal land councils across NSW.

If you would like to find out more about this or anything else on this page, please email the Aboriginal land use planning team at [email protected]

Related legislation and documents

To find out more, email the Aboriginal Land Use Planning team at [email protected].